Photographer's Note

This is one of the many chapels inside the Church of St John the Evangelist. The church is covered in frescoes and the architects of the church designed it so that light makes wonderful effects on the interior. A church has been present on this site since the 10th century. A fire in the 14th century destroyed what stood there and the present building was rebuilt in the late 1490s and early 1500s. The design was by Benedetto Zaccagni. The church is part of a complex which also includes a monastery, cloisters and even a grocery. The interior of the church is breathtakingly ornate, consisting of wall-to-wall frescoes by the artist Correggio. This is one of the many friezes by him. I was particularly struck by the way the sunlight played on the walls.

The city of Parma is enchanting and is a must-see on any tour of Italy's North. It has a number of superb classical buildings, churches, baptistries and theatres. Gastronomically, it is the home of prosciutto (Parma Ham), Parmiggiano (Parmesan cheese) and the huge pasta conglomerate Barilla. It is also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Giuseppe Verdi.

Ciao Lisa,
I cannot say I am a religious person but the particular lighting and the atmosphere it produces is one of the reasons I like photographing inside churches. You have good use of the light here shining on the fresco to produce a very atmospheric and moody image. The play of light and shade is excellent and is beautifully captured in this perfectly exposed composition. Excellent angle of view.

I posted some photos from there recently.Only from the outside. But the food I tasted and I loved very much. I love the light here, it is like in the movies when good is talking to the world.
And no, these were not my apple but they were very good.

Ah, ha, so my old pal Joe Green was born here? Now that's something interesting to know for a music-buff like me.

I seem to recall having seen the other photos to which you refer but, sadly, I don't appear to have commented on any of those in the past - that will definitely have to be remedied.

But this one is a real joy: the lighting is utterly magical and you have coped with its extreme contrasts very well indeed. Perhaps the light in the centre of the frieze is just a tad too overpowering but nonetheless we can still see wonderful details through the brightness and we can still discern detail in the darkest shadows too.

But, always being one willing to take up a challenge, I thought I'd have a wee play around with this one. So I've done a workshop - see what you think - I've probably ruined your lovely photograph but I just thought I'd try to see if it was possible to retrieve just a little more detail from the brightest parts. Hope you don't mind!

As it is, however, this picture is lovely - the wonderful ambience which we feel in such places of worship shines through this picture beautifully.

Very emotive shot, Lisa - and some elements that fool the eye a bit, like the figure in the painting who appears to be cowering from the reflected light, or the rail on the pew that at first glance looks like a penitent churchgoer. The POV through the gate is ideal, and the single source lighting works beautifully to illuminate just enough of the scene to allow visibility while maintaining the right mood. Nicely done.

Hello Lisa,
very beautiful shot of this church inside, beautifully taken and beautifully presented with interesting ligh, colors, sharpness, clarity, fantastic POV and DOF as well great. I like this composition which you lisa wonderfully done it. Fantastic work. I like it a lot. Thank you.
All the best,
Barbara

Hi Lisa
a powerful and quite beautiful composition and presentation this. The light makes it all the more passionate and exquitse plus it enhances the atmosphere so sublimely. Your execution is exemplary and the overall effect spellbinding.

Very creative shot from the church, difficult light but excellently managed, as always. Good idea to include these door, it gives depth and mystery. Maybe Parma is a must see but it seems it is less visited. And obviously it deserves more attention. But which town in Italy is not worth seeing?? I liked Parma when I was there 33 years ago.
Have a beautiful weekend, mine will be already in Zimbabwe (with LF :)).
hugs SIF

Gidday Lisa!
This is beautiful, but if you dont mind me saying so, its also rather spooky. I would be hesitant to go through this door, especially as a peep in reveals a fresco of what looks like somebody being beaten up. I know I shouldnt feel that way in a chapel, but there is such a cool capture of mood and light here. This could be a great cover for a movie.
All the best!
Noel

This was obviously a difficult task, Lisa.
Only one light source is coming from outside, natural it was - barely enough for taking an indoor's shot.
But you are well skilled and managed to show the painted wonderful wall.
Cheers for the best effort.
Ike